Rockies Look to Rebound Against Streaking Pirates in Series Opener

After a challenging weekend where they managed just one win against the Philadelphia Phillies, the Colorado Rockies are eager to turn the page as they kick off a three-game series against the Pittsburgh Pirates. With a current record of 16-25, the Rockies face a formidable opponent in the Pirates, who sit at 22-19 and have shown significant improvement this season.

Complicating matters for Colorado is their recent history at PNC Park, where they have lost five consecutive games dating back to their last victory there on May 3, 2024. The Rockies have struggled on the road this season, holding an 8-14 overall record away from Coors Field. However, they have shown signs of life recently, going 6-4 in their last ten road games since mid-April. During this stretch, the team has averaged 4.4 runs per game while batting .256, hitting nine home runs. On the pitching side, Rockies pitchers have maintained a 4.30 ERA over their last ten road contests, with the starters posting a slightly higher 4.38 ERA.

On the mound for Colorado will be Michael Lorenzen, making his tenth start of the season. Lorenzen has had a tough year so far, sporting a 6.92 ERA over 39 innings pitched. He has recorded 26 strikeouts, issued 12 walks, and allowed seven home runs, resulting in a high WHIP of 1.90. His last outing on May 6 against the Mets was particularly challenging, as he gave up seven runs on 11 hits, along with three walks and two strikeouts in five innings during a 10-5 loss.

Opposing Lorenzen will be the Pirates’ ace, Paul Skenes, a Cy Young award winner who has been dominant this season. Skenes boasts a remarkable 2.35 ERA through 40.2 innings pitched, with an impressive 47 strikeouts to just seven walks, and he has allowed four home runs, leading to an exceptional WHIP of 0.71. In his last start on May 6 against Arizona, Skenes delivered a stellar performance, allowing only two hits and striking out seven over eight scoreless innings, marking him as one of only six Pirates to achieve such a feat in the Modern Era.

As the Rockies and Pirates prepare to clash, fans can expect an intriguing matchup between Lorenzen and Skenes, with both teams looking to assert themselves early in the series.

First Pitch: 4:40 pm MDT

TV: Rockies TV

Radio: KOA 850 AM/94.1 FM; KNRV 1150 (Spanish)

SB Nation site: Bucs Dugout

Lineups:

For the visiting Rockies:

And the home Pirates:

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Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.